The Beaverton School District spokeswoman was just on the show confirming that Media Arts teacher, Jason Levin, has resumed his spot in his classroom at Beaverton’s Conestoga Middle School.
Even though the investigation into Levin’s conduct on school time is still underway, the spokeswoman said Levin was back in the classroom because he was not a threat to students.
Levin began a website encouraging “crashing the tea party” on April 15th which included threats against republicans and Tea Party patriots, calling for hate speech on signs at Tea Party events and engaging in cyberbullying. Some of the activity appears to have been done on school time.
The Oregon Tea Party has recommended Levin seek help for his anger management issues and undergo sensitivity training for his intolerance toward those with whom he does not agree politically.
I worry about his behavior spilling out into his classes. Two students I’m aware of have confirmed Jason Levin spoke in class about his website. One was afraid to complain because of fear of retaliation.
Beaverton officials claim not to have heard from anyone concerned about Levin’s preaching his politics and website in the classroom.
Even though it’s clear Levin has engaged in his campaign of intolerance on school time, his union, the Oregon Education Association, has not commented on the propriety of his activities.
It looks like the school district, however, has heard from the union because of Levin’s return today. It underscores once again the truth that schools aren’t run for schools but for teachers’ unions.